"You actually know my real name. It seems you're not the fortunate fool who knows nothing about the Holy Grail War, are you?"
A strange smirk curled at the corner of Matou Zouken's lips. "Sending something like this to an old man... what is it that you want from the Matou family?"
The decaying old man pulled out an ancient book from his kimono sleeve, one of the spoils Roland had obtained from Ryunosuke Uyu.
"A little help," Roland said with a smile, unperturbed by Matou Zouken's ghastly appearance. After what happened yesterday, Roland had grown somewhat accustomed to unpleasant sights.
"Help? You're asking for help?" Matou Zouken narrowed his eyes slightly, tapping his crutch against the floor.
"This book... it's from the Second Holy Grail War, more than a hundred years ago. It was left by the man who ran away in despair after his failure a few days ago."
"But even then, that man was hardly an orthodox magician. He was full of reluctance and desire despite his failure. Yet, I don't sense such a clear desire in you. What is it you want, exactly?" The old man's gaze sharpened as he fixed his eyes on Roland.
He was the original founder of the Holy Grail War, a great event that had shaped the type moon's future. Though he belonged to one of the three founding families, unlike the Tohsakas with their orderly lineage or the Einzberns with their mechanical members, the true ruler of the Matou family had always been the frail Matou Zouken. He had abandoned everything, his name, his family, and even his humanity, in pursuit of an ambition now long forgotten.
Now, this old monster survived only because of his obsession, despite his strength fading with time.
Even though his power had waned, his perceptiveness had only sharpened.
When the magical circuits were deliberately suppressed, it was difficult to detect any magical presence. But Zouken was certain. The young man in front of him wasn't a magician.
Anyone who had truly entered the path of magic, regardless of whether their ideals were good or evil, couldn't have eyes like his, so calm, as though forced into participation without any interest.
"Oh, you're right. I'm not a magician. To be precise, I don't have what you'd call a magic circuit."
To Matou Zouken's surprise, Roland admitted it without hesitation.
"You can't even build a magic circuit? Then what gives you the arrogance to participate in the Holy Grail War? What qualifies you to join such a grand event?" Matou Zouken's voice grew disappointed. Earlier, he had received a note in his mailbox, listing the book's location. He had hoped for some new entertainment, only to find himself dealing with an arrogant madman instead.
"I'm not interested in you anymore. The book should be returned to its original owner. Boy, I suggest you live smarter in your next life," Matou Zouken muttered, tossing the book towards Roland. Although he had chosen a decent location, he didn't want to risk drawing too much attention to himself. He knew that, to creatures like him who lived off the life force of others, there were limits to how far they could push their taboos.
In that book, his familiar worms had already taken root. Once Roland approached, they would quickly infiltrate his body, devour his flesh, and transform him into a corpse puppet under Matou Zouken's control.
This would be fun.
"Hehehe—"
Matou Zouken let out a chilling laugh, one that seeped into the cold air.
The ancient book flew through the air, its pages riddled with holes. From the holes, black worms occasionally poked out their hideous mouthparts.
"Really? I don't see it the same way. It's ridiculous to talk about qualifications. BUT If we're going to talk about it…"
Roland's cold smile grew wider. "Then my power is my qualification."
A pale, metallic arm emerged from Roland's body, the Killer Queen. It grabbed the book first, and in an instant, a silent explosion tore through the pages.
Matou Zouken's familiar worm nest, a tool that could have been a ritualistic item, was utterly destroyed, leaving no room for resistance.
The old man's laughter stopped abruptly.
He knew the strength of his familiars. Despite their disgusting appearance, those insect familiars had sharp mouths like blades, and their bodies were incredibly tough. Ordinary weapons couldn't harm them, and they were resistant to high temperatures. Yet in the blink of an eye, they had been obliterated.
"A guardian spirit… But its strength and abilities are quite abnormal. Is it a superpower or something supernatural?"
In this world, although magicians were the primary wielders of supernatural powers, ordinary humans could possess abnormal abilities due to factors like fairies or innate talents. In many cases, such abilities could even surpass those of ordinary magicians.
"It's called Killer Queen, and its ability is to turn anything it touches into a bomb that detonates at my will. Anything, be it a coin or a whole human being."
"Are you sure it's wise to expose your ability so freely?"
"It doesn't matter. It's not like it matters if others know about Killer Queen's abilities." Roland glanced at Matou Zouken, extending his right hand with a nonchalant gesture. "Let's just say we have a good relationship."
Matou Zouken's gaze shifted to the three crimson Command Seals on the back of Roland's hand, and his cloudy eyes seemed to gleam with interest.
He stared at the young man again, who, despite his handsome appearance, wore a cold smile that felt dangerously out of place.
What unsettled Matou Zouken most, however, were Roland's dark, abyss-like pupils.
There was no hint of expectation in those eyes, only a sense of despair and calm, like an endless void with a destructive aura.
Looking into those eyes made Matou Zouken's body tremble slightly.
And in that moment, he knew: Roland wasn't someone you could easily push to the enemy's side.
They were the same kind, both creatures who fed on the lives of others.
Though their methods differed, their nature was the same. And that malice could never be erased.
Pushing someone like that into the hands of the enemy wasn't a wise move.
More importantly, in this Holy Grail War, Matou Zouken already had his own reasons for wanting such a sharp weapon on his side.
"So, what are your terms?"
After the agreement was made, Roland casually asked, "Is it the chance to make a wish to the Holy Grail? You can have it, because, I don't really care about such things."
Roland already knew the true nature of this war. He had no intention of indulging in its corrupted nature. He had resolved that when the time came, he would blow up the cursed Grail again, just to show everyone what happens when you drag him into this.
Moreover, he was genuinely curious about Matou Zouken's intentions. Even after revealing his extraordinary powers as a powerful ally, Zouken, in the original timeline, had never shown much hope for this war. But today, the old man seemed too eager, agreeing to Roland's request with almost no hesitation.
"No, no, no… I wouldn't dare ask for too much as the first wave of investment."
Matou Zouken forced a smile. "Even without Matou's help, you could still get these things. So I won't make ignorant demands."
Then he extended a finger toward Roland. "This is my request: During the Holy Grail War, I hope you prioritize killing one particular master."
"Who?"
At the mere mention of this person, Matou Zouken's ugly face twisted into a malevolent grin.
"The shameless thief from the Clock Tower!"
"Ha?"